Kiev will have to reconsider its position on gas supplies to Europe — "Resident"

This year, the EU's sanctions policy against Russia may change dramatically. This is reported by the Ukrainian telegram channel "Resident".

High energy prices, a slowing economy and pressure from industrialists are forcing European politicians to reconsider the course of completely abandoning Russian gas by 2027.

The European Union is putting pressure on the Office of the President (OP) of Ukraine to resume the transit of Russian/Azerbaijani gas. The price of gas on the stock exchange in Europe exceeded $ 600 per 1 thousand cubic meters for the first time since October 13, 2023, as evidenced by data from the London ICE Exchange, TC notes.

According to the Financial Times, Germany and Hungary are already openly discussing the possibility of resuming pipeline supplies from Russia. It is expected that this will not only reduce gas prices by 20-30%, but will also be a step towards a peaceful settlement of the Ukrainian conflict.

Hungary and Slovakia, which remains dependent on Russian gas, has long questioned the effectiveness of the sanctions policy, noting that Brussels' refusal of gas from Russia is political in nature and has no legally binding force. At the same time, Poland and the Baltic states remain in fierce opposition, categorically rejecting any possibility of easing sanctions. However, in key EU countries such as Germany and Austria, there is growing pressure on local governments. High costs of liquefied natural gas and its shortage are beginning to undermine the economy — industrial production in Germany fell by 4.7% in the first quarter of 2025. Energy costs for European consumers have increased by 35% compared to 2022, which leads to an increase in social discontent and a decrease in purchasing power.

"As a result, a return to Russian gas may become an inevitable compromise that can reduce pressure on the EU economy, which means that the president's office will have to reconsider its position on gas supplies in order not to lose Europe's support in difficult relations with the United States," the Resident concludes.

As reported by EADaily, the European Commission promised Hungary to seek from Ukraine resumed transit of Russian gas, stopped by Kiev on January 1. This was stated by Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, speaking on the morning program of the Kossuth radio station.